If you are moving from or to a place where the weather is cold, then maybe you should consider using the services of a moving company. Because shipping in cold weather can present an additional set of challenges that you do not have to deal with during warm weather. That’s why there are some things to look out for when setting up for cold weather shipping and there is no one better to reveal them than ReloSmart Movers Hong Kong.
The first thing to check is if anything that you are shipping is sensitive to cold temperatures. Electronics and food items can be particularly sensitive to extreme conditions. If you are shipping your items a long distance during cold weather, make sure to protect them properly. This may require using a climate controlled shipping container. That’s why you need to find out how to keep your items safe when moving in cold weather.
Planning ahead for shipping during the cold weather
While almost every business is sensitive to extremely cold weather changes, retailers and e-commerce companies, in particular, are highly vulnerable. Therefore they must take extra precautions when dealing with the forces of nature. That’s why by planning ahead, your business will be able to evaluate the situation more clearly, minimizing the effects of winter’s wrath.
Create a safe working environment for cold weather shipping
When you’re having a DIY move or you are hiring professional movers, one of the most important things is that you need to learn how to avoid moving injuries. That is very significant when it comes to cold weather shipping. Also, you need to know how to prevent damage, find out how to keep your belongings safe. To prevent all of that you can at least clear a path in and out of your house.
Shovel snow and sprinkle ice in order to successfully remove any ice. This will allow you to avoid moving injuries that are very common. Take care of that mountain of snow the plow left at the foot of your driveway before you move or before any belongings you shipped separately are due to arrive. Lay down plastic or cardboard sheets throughout the house and have a safer move – at least for your items. So that you and your moving team don’t make a mess of the floor by tracking in slippery snow or dirt while you’re loading and unloading.
Clearing the path can help you load easier. This way you can try to minimize the amount of time your vulnerable belongings are exposed to the cold. Load the least vulnerable items first, and save appliances, electronics, and other belongings for the end. When you arrive, unload the most vulnerable items first, and give them enough time to regain room temperature before you use them again.
Take care of sensitive items
Even if your products are not sensitive to cold, check to make sure condensation does not damage your goods. Cold weather, believe it or not, can cause increased condensation in packaging and shipping containers. Use of desiccants or vacuum sealed packing can help to prevent condensation damage. When you take care of your sensitive items, then you can use start loading a moving truck like a pro.
Wooden furniture
Cool temperatures and low humidity can lead to cracks and warping during the cold weather shipping. And as well as the deterioration of any screws, glue, bolts, and fabric upholstery. That’s why you should apply a layer of wax to wood furniture before you pack it. Then wrap each component individually in moving blankets and shrink wrap. This is very important because you need to know how to pack furniture for moving.
Appliances
Appliances that use water, can be particularly difficult to move or ship during the winter. Those appliances are washers and dryers, refrigerators, ice makers, space heaters, dishwashers, and water softeners. But if appliances are exposed to low temperatures for too long, any water that remains inside the internal components may freeze and expand. That can crack pipes and damage water pumps, valves, and drain lines. That’s why when you’re packing appliances for moving or shipping, you should drain out and dry up as much water as possible. You can also request a temperature controlled truck.
Electronics
You should always take extra care when packing up electronics, despite the season. Electronics can develop condensation inside their internal components with the rise in temperature. That can lead to water damage. That’s why you should wrap electronics in an extra layer of moving blankets for added insulation. Also, don’t forget to pack small components like cords into sealed plastic bags. You should also give any electronics a full 24 hours to return to room temperature after you move in before plugging them in.
Boxes for shipping in the cold weather
With cold often comes snow, so if you’re moving boxes in the cold, your main concern will be moisture rather than temperature. When boxes get wet, they weaken and are more sensitive to tearing. Make sure your moving boxes are securely taped and cover them with plastic or towels so they don’t get wet. Don’t place them directly on the truck bed; instead, lay down a tarp, or use plastic boxes.
Businesses closed due to weather reasons
When ice and snow hit, particularly in areas that are not used to it, the business can shut down. If you do not have a contingency plan to store your items overnight if your shipping destination is closed, you could be putting your cold weather shipping company and your goods in jeopardy. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure to have some arrangements made if the area you are shipping to gets hit with inclement weather.
